Description
Savory Vegetarian Chili Mac for Cozy Nights In
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (for sautéing and adding richness)
- 1 cup Red bell pepper (diced small)
- 1.5 cups Yellow onion (diced small)
- 3 Garlic (cloves, minced)
- 1 cup Tomato sauce (1 8-ounce can)
- 1 can Petite diced tomatoes (14.5-ounce can, with juices)
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 pinch Cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 8 ounces Dry pasta (macaroni, rotini, or any short pasta)
- 1.5 cups Cooked lentils (or 1 14.5-ounce can)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Chopped cilantro or parsley (fresh herbs)
- Diced jalapeños (for extra spicy kick)
- Diced onions (for texture)
- Pico de gallo (for vibrant flavor)
- Sour cream (for creamy richness)
- Shredded cheese (for the cheesy lovers)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper and yellow onion, cooking until soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, chili powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, cayenne, dry pasta, and lentils into the skillet. Cover with a lid, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow the dish to sit for five minutes before serving; this helps enhance the flavors.
- Serve up hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg